Modern additive technology opens up new opportunities for specialists in different fields, as well as for ordinary users. Resin 3D printers allow to recreate three-dimensional objects with high accuracy. As a material for modeling such devices use photopolymers – liquid resins with different physical properties.
In this review we have collected the novelties of this year, as well as printers that have proven themselves with users from all over the world.
Anycubic Photon Mono
The first monochrome printer from a Chinese manufacturer to make 3D printing even more affordable. The device is equipped with a new generation flare module with a monochrome liquid crystal matrix. Reduced illumination time allows for faster printing up to 50 mm/h.
Quality Z-axis guides and a parallel LED array allow for high quality printing. Improved cooling system extends the life of the printer.
Transparent protective cover stops up to 99.95% of harmful UV rays, letting you monitor the printing process. You can control the operation of the device and monitor the parameters of the work with a touch screen.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Photopolymer resin (LCD/LED/DLP/SLA)
- Print area: 130h80h165 mm
- Illumination technology: LCD/LED
- Build speed: 60 mm/h
- Printing accuracy: 10 microns
- XY pixel resolution: 51 microns
- Connection method: USB (flash drive), USB (cable)
- Compatible OS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.
Anycubic Photon Mono X
3D printer Anycubic Photon Mono X is a versatile device for use at home or in the workshop. The equipment is designed for SLA printing with photopolymer resins. The build area of 192x120x245 mm allows you to print three-dimensional parts at a time.
The printer has a high printing speed of 60 mm/h. High accuracy is achieved due to the special mounting of the travel screw and two linear Z-axis guides.
The 4K LED matrix allows to achieve a high printing resolution of 0.01 mm. Layers are sintered under the influence of 405 nm ultraviolet light. A transparent cover protects the user from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light.
The printer has a built-in Wi-Fi module for data transfer. You can even exchange files for printing with your smartphone through a special application. Setting up the printer and controlling the printing process is done through the touch screen.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Photopolymer resin (LCD/LED/DLP/SLA)
- Print area: 192x120x245 mm
- Illumination technology: LCD/LED
- Build speed: 60 mm/h
- Printing accuracy: 10 microns
- XY pixel resolution: 50 µm
- Connection method: USB (flash drive), USB (cable), Wi-Fi
- Compatible OS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.
Anycubic Photon Mono SE
One of the best budget LCD/SLA printers. This improved model Photon S has a 6 inch 2K matrix. The device has a high printing speed of 80mm/h. The Z-axis movement on two linear guides provides stability when raising the platform for high printing accuracy. The build area of 130x78x160 mm allows to solve most of the problems of beginners and advanced users. Simple desktop calibration helps reduce printer setup time.
Advanced ventilation system and carbon filters reduce unpleasant odor when working with photopolymers.
You can control operation, change settings and monitor print progress using the Anycubic APP Remote Control app. The printer also has a built-in Wi-Fi module for data exchange.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Photopolymer resin (LCD/LED/DLP/SLA)
- Print area: 130x78x160 mm
- Illumination technology: LCD/LED
- Build speed: 60 mm/h
- Printing accuracy: 10 microns
- XY pixel resolution: 51 microns
- Connectivity: USB (Cable), Wi-Fi
- Compatible OS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.
Anycubic Photon X
A novelty in 2020 which will go on sale in November. The manufacturer promises to take into account the wishes of its users and present a new printer that meets modern concepts of 3D printing.
Phrozen printers
Among the inexpensive photopolymer printers it is worth noting the equipment of the manufacturer Phrozen. Wide model range allows using this manufacturer’s photopolymer 3D printers in medicine, jewelry and for DIY projects.
Phrozen Sonic Mini
Printer has a patented matrix ParaLED 2.0 Lite with a reduced angle of LED emission. The uniform illumination of each layer ensures a high print resolution.
Thanks to the additional Z-axis stabilization, the reproduction of three-dimensional detail is even more accurate. The printer is compatible with most SLA, LCD and DLP resins, which allows you to implement any projects.
Printing speed of 50 mm/h, compact size and extended service life of the screen up to 2000 hours of work justify the investment into the technique of the Taiwan manufacturer.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Photopolymer resin (LCD/LED/DLP/SLA)
- Print area: 120h68h130 mm
- Illumination technology: LCD/LED
- Build speed: 50 mm/h
- Printing accuracy: 10 microns
- XY pixel resolution: 62 microns
- Connectivity: USB (Cable), micro SD
- Compatible OS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.
- Phrozen Shuffle XL Lite
- Stable printer with large build area 190x120x200 mm suitable for printing large items and serial production. The equipment is ideal for jewelry making, dentistry and prototyping.
The device is equipped with 8.9 inch LCD. Array matrix achieves high printing accuracy on all plotting axes.
The dual linear Z-axis guide and aluminum travel screw extend the life of the equipment.
The printer comes with compatible Chitubox software, so you can start printing right out of the box.
Specifications:
- Printing Technology: Photopolymer Resin (LCD/LED/DLP/SLA)
- Print area: 190x120x200 mm
- Illumination technology: LCD/LED
- Building speed: 20 mm/h
- Printing accuracy: 10 microns
- XY pixel resolution: 75 µm
- Connectivity: Ethernet, USB
- Compatible operating systems: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.
QIDI Tech S-Box
Universal printer with excellent features, suitable for medicine, primary design, DIY projects and hobbyists. The 3D printer is ready to use right out of the box – wiring and calibration take very little time.
The photopolymer 3D printer features a 2K matrix with a 10.1-inch display, increasing the build area to 215x130x200mm. The filtration system with a carbon filter effectively removes the strong smell of photopolymers.
A new-generation backlight module with a parallel LED array improves the sintering quality of the layers, which increases the resolution of the finished product. You can change print settings and monitor the process using the 4.3-inch touch screen.
The TMC2209 driver installed on the Z-axis motor allows for virtually silent operation. The manufacturer offers its users a fully compatible slicer program for slicing the 3D model. The kit includes tools for assembly, as well as a spatula for removing the workpiece, gloves and a protective mask.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Photopolymer resin (LCD/LED/DLP/SLA)
- Print area: 215h130h200 mm
- Illumination technology: LCD/LED
- Building speed: 20 mm/h
- Printing accuracy: 10 microns
- XY pixel resolution: 47 microns
- Connectivity: USB (thumb drive), USB (cable)
- Compatible OS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.
QIDI Tech Shadow 5.5 S
The new 2020 QIDI Tech Shadow 5.5 S is equipped with two air filters. Thanks to the improved air purification system, the printer can be used in educational facilities. The transparent neon red casing protects the user almost 100% from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
The photopolymer 3D printer features a 2K matrix with a 5.5 inch display. The ultraviolet light matrix provides fast curing. Dual linear Z-axis guide ensures printing stability.
115x65x150 mm build area and 30 mm/h print speed allow for most user applications.
Photopolymer 3D printer is ready to print right out of the box. It comes with a USB-Flash with compatible software and instructions. Also included is a spatula, tool kit, and spare FEP films.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Photopolymer resin (LCD/LED/DLP/SLA)
- Print area: 115х65х150 mm
- Illumination technology: LCD/LED
- Build speed: 30 mm/sec.
- Printing accuracy: 10 microns
- XY pixel resolution: 47 microns
- Connection method: USB (flash drive), USB (cable).
QIDI Tech Shadow 6.0 Pro
The updated model based on the QIDI Shadow 5.5 S. Unlike its predecessor, the printer features a 6″ 2K display, which increases the print area by almost 20%. The upgraded Matrix UV-LED matrix reduces backlight time while providing high resolution printing.
Increased print area of 130x70x150 mm and large resin capacity allow for the production of voluminous parts.
Stability of Z-axis movement is ensured by a double guideway. Eightfold antialiasing improves print quality. Print settings can be changed via the touch screen.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Photopolymer resin (LCD/LED/DLP/SLA)
- Print area: 130x70x150 mm
- Illumination technology: LCD/LED
- Build speed: 30 mm/sec.
- Printing accuracy: 10 microns
- XY pixel resolution: 47 microns
- Connection method: USB (flash drive), USB (cable).
Formlabs Form 3
Formlabs Form 3 is a desktop printer with high quality printing. The device is suitable for advanced users as well as for small business start-ups.
The printer works on the basis of the new technology LFS (low power stereolithography).
High precision printing is available thanks to the specially designed Light Processing Unit (LPU) with a compact lens and mirror system. A parabolic mirror allows control of printing perpendicularity, and the accuracy of the illumination is achieved with a spatial filter.
Closed-circuit calibration helps not only set up the equipment, but also monitor its operation – a system of optical sensors monitors scale and laser power, and helps detect dust.
The working area of 145x145x185 mm allows you to make large objects or a series of small items.
The main feature of the printer is a system of interchangeable cartridges, thanks to which you can easily switch between polymers in the process.
The printer is ready to print right out of the box.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Photopolymer resin (LCD/LED/DLP/SLA)
- Print area: 145x145x185 mm
- Light technology: LCD/SLA
- Building speed: 20 mm/s
- Printing accuracy: 25 microns
- XY pixel resolution: 25 µm
- Connectivity: USB (flash drive), USB (cable), Ethernet, Wi-Fi
- Compatible OS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.
Formlabs Form 3L
The large format printer for your home, shop or workshop. With a 335x200x300 mm build area, you can start batch production or make large models.
Thanks to the high print resolution of 25 µm, the finished parts do not require any further processing. Printed objects have a smooth surface and exactly repeat the smallest details of the original object.
A system of lasers and mirrors ensures high precision and part positioning in the camera. Precise alignment of layers allows to obtain products with high light permeability when printing with transparent photopolymers.
Like Form 3 Form 3L is equipped with automatic polymer feeding. Two interchangeable auto-feed cartridges avoid equipment downtime.
Printing can be controlled through a high-resolution interactive touch screen. The manufacturer also took care of high-quality software for its printers. It comes with PreForm software that offers optimal part orientation and helps arrange supports.
Specifications:
- Printing technology: Photopolymer resin (LCD/LED/DLP/SLA)
- Print area: 335x200x300 mm
- Light technology: LCD/SLA
- Building speed: 20 mm/s
- Printing accuracy: 25 microns
- XY pixel resolution: 25 µm
- Connection method: USB (flash drive), USB (cable), Ethernet, Wi-Fi.
- Compatible OS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.
Formlabs Form 3B
Modern desktop printer optimized for printing with biocompatible photopolymers. Suitable for medical and dental applications.
Formlabs 3B printer works on Low Force Stereolithography principle, allowing you to get accurate results with a resolution of 25 microns. The 145x145x185 mm printing chamber allows to produce series of objects.
Interchangeable resin reservoirs help you quickly switch between dental photopolymers, eliminating downtime.
Specifications:
- Printing Technology: Photopolymer Resin (LCD/LED/DLP/SLA)
- Print area: 145x145x185 mm
- Light technology: LCD/SLA
- Build speed: 50 mm/sec.
- Printing accuracy: 25 microns
- XY pixel resolution: 25 µm
- Connectivity: USB (flash), USB (cable), Ethernet, Wi-Fi
- Compatible OS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
